Alternative Mt Lofty Climb and Hike

Alternative Mt Lofty Climb and Hike

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Posted 2014-09-25 by Steve Hudsonfollow
If you are tired of trying to find a car park at Waterfall Gully, or tired of competing with the masses for track space on the way to or from Mt Lofty, why not try the alternative climb to Mt Lofty. Park your car on Sprigg Road at Piccadilly, near the intersection of Lampert and Sprigg Road, and commence this hike in a northwest direction following the Heysen Trail.



Walk along Sprigg Road for around 800m past several houses and farms until you come to the entrance to Gate 23, and Southeastern entry point to the Cleland Conservation Park. Climb over a stile and enter the Park and follow the wide firetrack as it gently meanders uphill. After 300m, the path veers right and then commence a climb to the Summit. While climbing the firetrack, keep an eye out for inquisitive kangaroos, sleeping koalas, wild ducks and the seasonal nesting magpies. Along the path you will also see the densely wooded native gardens, tree ferned waterways and many different varieties of wildflowers, particularly during spring.



The final 500m towards the steps is the steepest part of the walk and provides a good fitness test for everyone. Continue up the final steps, and then after a final 200m you will find yourself at the entrance to the Mt Lofty Summit Car Park. A short walk around the boundary of the car park will bring you to the junction of the main Waterfall Gully Trail, with the final Summit and Lookout in sight.

To return to your car, you could either do the reverse of your ascent and head down the same trails that you climbed. Or as an alternative, you may like to follow the Heysen Trail Loop for a slightly easier gradient and more picturesque walk. To commence the loop, head down the Waterfall Gully Trail following the Heysen Trail until you reach the Nangare Track. Turn left on the Nangare track, and follow the Heysen Trail signage through some undulating national park with some exceptional views of the City of Adelaide, Glenelg and the Suburbs.



The Heysen Trail then leaves the National Park and follows the road to the entrance of the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens. The Trail meanders through the Gardens providing stunning views of local and European flora. The loop walk then continues past the southern entrance to the Gardens, and along Lampert Road to the point where you parked your car.

This 7km loop hike is most suited to Spring and Autumn when the temperatures are fairer, the flora is in full colour and the trails are relatively dry. All trails are well constructed, and Heysen Trail signage exists at every junction.

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#fun_things_to_do
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#mount_lofty
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%wnadelaide
209208 - 2023-06-16 06:17:55

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